Farina Foundation

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Farina Foundation

Honoring the legacy of Frank Farina, and helping children experience music education.

06/19/2026

🎶 Instrument Spotlight: Xylophone 🎶

At the Farina Foundation, we believe music belongs in the hands of every child. 💜

Something as simple as a xylophone can help a child build confidence, explore creativity, express emotions, connect with others, and experience the joy of making music.

Right now, we are welcoming donations of xylophones and other musical instruments to help support children and youth in our community.

Every donated instrument has the potential to become a child’s first favorite instrument, first performance, first connection, or first breakthrough. 🎶

If you have instruments looking for a new home, we would love to help place them where they can make a meaningful impact.

Learn more or donate here:
https://farinafoundation.org/instrument-donations/

06/17/2026

Learning Disability Week reminds us that every individual learns differently — and every individual deserves the opportunity to be heard, understood, and empowered. 🖤

Music has a unique way of reaching beyond words. Through rhythm, melody, movement, and creativity, music can support communication, confidence, emotional expression, memory, social connection, and so much more. For many individuals with learning disabilities, music becomes more than an activity — it becomes a bridge to growth, self-expression, and belonging.

At the heart of music therapy and music education is the belief that abilities should always be celebrated louder than limitations. During Learning Disability Week, we celebrate the strengths, talents, voices, and potential of every individual we are privileged to work alongside. 🎶

06/15/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Barbara Golembeski Farina, President of The Farina Foundation, who passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara dedicated her life to serving others. As an educator, advocate, philanthropist, and leader, she believed deeply in the power of music, education, and opportunity to change lives. Through her vision and unwavering commitment, The Farina Foundation has helped place instruments into the hands of children, support music programs, and create opportunities for countless young people throughout our region.

While Barbara's accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew her best will remember something even more remarkable: her ability to make people feel remembered. Through countless cards, notes, gifts, and acts of kindness, she touched the lives of hundreds of people, making each one feel valued and loved.

Her legacy lives on in every child who discovers music, every family she encouraged, and every life she touched through her generosity and compassion.

We invite you to read more about Barbara's beautiful life and lasting impact here:
https://www.devlinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/barbara-farina/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Farina Foundation. Gifts made in Barbara's memory will continue her legacy of supporting music education and creating opportunities for children and families throughout our community.

Thank you, Barbara, for your leadership, your kindness, and your lifelong dedication to helping others. Your legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

06/14/2026

Today is the day. 💜🎶

We are honored to once again stand beside Wesley Family Services’ Creative Arts Program as a sponsor of the 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital.

Months of preparation, courage, creativity, and hard work have led to this moment, and today the stage belongs to some truly incredible performers. There is something so powerful about watching individuals step into the spotlight, share their gifts, and remind all of us what music, support, and opportunity can make possible.

To every performer, family member, therapist, supporter, and staff member helping make today unforgettable — we are proud to celebrate alongside you.

Now go shine. 🌟

06/10/2026

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 💜

Music has a powerful way of reaching parts of the brain that words sometimes cannot. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, Music Therapy can help spark memories, reduce anxiety, improve mood, encourage communication, and create meaningful moments of connection with loved ones.

A familiar song can bring comfort. A rhythm can encourage movement. A melody can help someone feel seen, heard, and engaged — even during difficult moments.

At its heart, Music Therapy is not just about music. It is about preserving dignity, identity, connection, and quality of life through meaningful musical experiences.

This month, we honor individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, families, and the professionals who support them every day. 💜🎶

06/08/2026

🌊 In honor of World Oceans Day, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of the Ocean Drum in Music Therapy and education. 🌊

The soothing sound of the Ocean Drum can help support relaxation, sensory regulation, emotional expression, engagement, mindfulness, and connection for individuals of all ages and abilities. In both therapeutic and educational settings, it creates opportunities for inclusion, creativity, and meaningful interaction.

At the Farina Foundation, we know how valuable instruments like these can be. Many organizations providing Music Therapy services could greatly benefit from having Ocean Drums available for their patients, clients, and students. 💙

If you would like to help us place instruments into programs that need them most, we warmly welcome instrument donations.

Learn more here: https://farinafoundation.org/instrument-donations

06/03/2026

🌟 Impact Day 🌟

Several months ago, The Farina Foundation received a message after someone heard about our work on WQED. They shared the story of Billy — a man recently released after 17 years at Graterford Prison, where he earned his GED and discovered a passion for playing the tenor saxophone.

When he returned home, the saxophone had to stay behind.

But the passion didn’t.

Thanks to the incredible support of Brighton Music Center, Billy was recently gifted a tenor saxophone so he could continue his musical journey.

When he received it at the East End Cooperative Ministry Food Pantry, “his eyes lit up.” During lunch break, he immediately took it out and started playing.

That moment is exactly why we do this. 🎷❤️

Music has the power to restore hope, create connection, and remind people that their story is still being written.

05/22/2026

🎶 Buy a Musical Instrument Day 🎶

Today is all about taking that step—whether it’s picking up your very first instrument or finally buying the one you’ve always wanted. Why? Because music has a way of changing us. It builds confidence, reduces stress, strengthens focus, and gives us a powerful outlet to express who we are.

You don’t have to be “musical” to start—you just have to be willing. One instrument can open the door to creativity, connection, and joy in ways you might not expect.

And while today is a great day to start something new… it’s also a great day to give something meaningful.

If you have an instrument sitting unused in a closet, attic, or basement—consider passing it on.

🎁 That instrument could become someone else’s opportunity. Someone else’s confidence. Someone else’s voice.

👉 Donate here: https://farinafoundation.org/instrument-donations/

Because every child deserves the chance to play. 🎵

05/20/2026

Today, on National Band Directors Day, we honor the ones who don’t just teach music… they shape lives.

Frank J. Farina Jr. was more than a band director—he was a believer. A believer that every child deserves the chance to discover who they are through music. Over a 38-year career, he didn’t just build musicians—he built confidence, character, and community.

He taught his students something bigger than notes on a page—he taught them ATTITUDE. The kind of attitude that says: show up, work hard, believe in yourself, and lift others along the way.

Because of him, thousands of young people found their voice—some through a trumpet, some through a drum, some through simply being seen and believed in.

And today, his legacy lives on through the Farina Foundation—removing barriers, placing instruments into the hands of children, and making sure that passion is never limited by circumstance.

To every band director who has ever stayed late, pushed a student to be better, or reminded a child that they matter…

You are changing lives.

Just like Frank did. 🎶

05/19/2026

🎻 Instrument Spotlight: Violin 🎻

There’s something powerful about the sound of a violin—it can whisper, cry, celebrate, and tell a story without ever saying a word. From beginner squeaks to breathtaking melodies, the violin gives young musicians a voice, a passion, and a way to express who they are.

At the Farina Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to discover that feeling.

If you have a violin sitting unused, consider giving it a second life. We would be honored to place it into the hands of a child who is ready to learn, grow, and pursue their passion. ❤️

👉 Donate here: https://farinafoundation.org/instrument-donations/

And remember—we accept all musical instruments, not just violins. Every donation helps us create opportunities and ensure instruments find a home where they will be played, loved, and appreciated. 🎶

Address

1226 Center Avenue, Studio FF
Pittsburgh, PA
15229

Telephone

(412) 427-4475

Website

https://farinafoundation.org/

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